The award, another feather in the hat for Kiira Motors which was the Green Mobility Technology Exhibitor at Sustainable Innovation Expo, is presented annually to companies that demonstrate the ability to understand and leverage global Mega Trends, recognizes the efficacy and impact of the recipient’s innovative process on business and society at large.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry.

KMC was partly recognised for its vision which goes beyond that of standard vehicle manufacturing processes. “Its sustainable mobility solutions provide massive opportunity for vehicle development and commercialisation in a country that is lagging behind in African and global automotive indices,” Frost and Sullivan Research Analyst Ziyaad Hanware said adding: “The focus on developing sustainable electric, hybrid, and solar vehicles will allow KMC to capture the leadership position in an uncontested market space,”

Frost and Sullivan also acknowledged that KMC’s plans to establish a local manufacturing plant gives it the added benefit of economies of scale, a first-mover advantage, and import cost avoidance, which, in turn, will raise entry barriers in the industry.

KMC’s vehicles also promise a huge environmental dividend. Kampala’s fleet of 9,000 fourteen-seater commuter buses that operate in the city daily produces 96,715 tons of carbon emissions annually. The Kayoola Solar Bus will greatly lower these emissions and help the country move toward cost-effective, sustainable mobility with zero tail pipe emissions.

The Kayoola Solar Bus is a 35-seater electric bus with a real-time on-board solar charging system. The bus is fitted with two autonomous battery banks installed on either side enabling usage of one battery bank to power the propulsion motor while the other is charged. The bus has a mileage of approximately 50 miles per charge and 7.5 miles range extension harnessed from solar power in transit, with the batteries requiring only an hour to recharge. This makes the Kayoola Solar Bus a green, clean, and noise free transport solution for urban mass mobility representing Kiira Motor’s commitment to transportation technologies that are enhancing environmental stewardship.